Pages

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Cowl neck top in sheer viscose

When scanning my syllabus at the start of the pattern making course I took last semester, I was most excited about learning how to draft cowl neck tops. When we finally got to it toward the end of the course, I was surprised how simple they actually were! Using a basic bodice sloper, it's just a matter of lowering the neckline and slash and spreading to create fullness. The self-facing in the front keeps it pretty no matter how the cowl falls! Clearly, putting my new knowledge to use was in the forefront of my mind when I had the opportunity to use one of the fabrics from the Novelty category at Britex. This unusual ruby and black sheer viscose fabric seemed like a fun and modern choice for a fairly classic cowl shape.

This fabric isn't an obvious choice for a cowl shape; while lightweight, it isn't particularly drapey, behaving more like a voile. Nor could I cut on the bias (common for cowls) because of the obvious horizontal stripe. However, I kind of love how the neckline is more "origami folds" than draped.

The viscose is sheer--in these photos, I'm wearing a nude-colored tank top under this for modesty, but for cocktails or dancing, it would probably be fine without.

The self-drafted top is a basic pull-over shape, with no closures or darts. It isn't as fitted as I normally like my tops, but it's light and airy (especially with the sheer fabric!) and adds a different silhouette to my wardrobe. For the construction, I used French seams throughout since the fabric is a loose weave. There is a back neck facing, which attaches to the front cowl facing, and bias tape for the armholes--simple and elegant!

Here's the exciting part: I've been learning digital drafting and grading, and I'm nearly finished with a multi-sized (S-M-L) pattern of this cowl-neck top as a free download! Look for it sometime next week here or at the Britex blog!

Thank you to Britex for providing this great fabric--it's fun to try something completely new!

Offering a very tasteful glimpse, utter blinds may be desirable and extremely valuable for people who favor privateness. Made from partial see through and also flimsy material just like natural cotton wide lace or perhaps often weaved polyester voile, utter blinds enable the greatest transmission involving mild.